In the racing of future cell technologies, numerous players are in the battle, with several chemistry systems in competition. In addition to the fundamental challenges, there are additional challenges in automotive application. In the sector of sports cars, those challenges are further amplified. This talk will give an overview, in our perspective, about the common challenges on future cell chemistry.

Conventional round lithium-ion cells suffer from high temperature increase due to high internal resistance and, therefore, cannot provide the actual available performance. Hence, V4SMART develops and produces lithium-ion cells in Germany with a new mechanical cell design in combination with unique electrode and electrolyte recipes to enable new high-power applications. 

Saft is developing new Li-ion products reflecting current market needs in mobility applications: LTO cell for heavy cycling, phosphate-based technologies LFP, LMFP for safety critical. Next generation materials will allow the development of future generations of Li-ion batteries: HV phosphates cathodes, Si rich anodes and niobium oxide-based anodes. Beyond advanced Li-ion batteries, Saft develops in parallel solid state technologies following polymers and sulfides pathways.

E-Lyte aims to provide a sustainable and resilient supply chain for the perfect electrolyte solution for each energy storage system. The automotive industry currently has the greatest need for safe and powerful energy storage systems. The presentation will answer the question of why it is so difficult to find the perfect electrolyte for commercial battery technologies used in electric vehicles and how E-Lyte overcomes this challenge.

​LMFP-based cathode materials have been heralded as the next-generation of olivine-based cathode beyond LFP. Yet there are several key technological challenges to be solved ahead of their commercial deployment. This talk will discuss the design trade-offs needed to achieve high-capacity, high-stability LMFP cathode materials, methodologies to gain a mechanistic understanding of synthesis, and electrochemical performance in cells.

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are positioned as a technologically-superior alternative to state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries, attributed to their advantages in abuse tolerance, operable temperature ranges, and simplified system integration. Despite this promise, SSBs still face barriers that hinder their practical application, such as poor interfacial electrochemical compatibility at the particle-to-particle and layer-to-layer interfaces. In this talk, leveraging the unique properties of different solid electrolyte types (oxide and sulfide), we will outline our strategies to effectively enhance the interfacial compatibility and prolong the cell cycling, tailored for diverse vehicle applications.

The demand for safe high-energy-density batteries has motivated the development of solid-state batteries and solid electrolytes. PolyPlus develops next generation lithium metal batteries based on both oxides and sulfides, and has demonstrated specific energies in excess of 1500 Wh/kg for advanced 500 Ah prototypes. In this presentation we will address the challenges and solutions to the development and fabrication of rechargeable solid-state and primary lithium metal batteries with exceptional performance. Each approach introduces its own unique challenges: lithium/solid-electrolyte interface, battery safety, manufacturing issues for solid-state batteries, and cost implications of novel approaches.

Graphite is the primary anode material in lithium-ion batteries and is expected to be vital for the industry's growth in the coming decades. To meet the rising demand for battery production in North America and Europe, new sources of graphite are essential. Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials has developed innovative processes to convert graphite-rich residues from Li-ion battery recycling into battery-grade anode materials. In this presentation, we will showcase data demonstrating that the physio-chemical properties and electrochemical performance of recycled graphite match those of high-quality commercial graphite anode materials. We will discuss the environmental, supply chain, and economic advantages of recycling graphite, emphasizing how this process contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing the need for new graphite extraction. Finally, we will explore how recycled graphite can serve as a sustainable and viable anode material for lithium-ion batteries, supporting a greener future and a more resilient supply chain.

A novel CNT-like additive which is produced in a sustainable way will be introduced. The performance increase vs. carbon black will be shown in various cell-formats and cell chemistries i.e. NMC 85, NMC 532, LFP, LMFP. Data on long cycle life tests and severe charge and discharge rates will be presented.

Cabot’s conductive additives, including conductive carbons, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanostructure dispersions, are critical components of lithium-ion batteries, making up a small fraction of the battery composition but playing a crucial role in functionality and performance. The ability to tailor dispersions using novel and commercial conductive additives shows clear benefits in imparting electronic conductivity at the lowest loadings enabling high performance for various cell chemistries. Cabot is a key partner in the emerging battery cell environment enabling security of supply and at the same time reducing cell costs and carbon footprint.

Blue Current introduces its pioneering work on fully dry solid-state batteries featuring silicon-based anodes and flexible composite electrolytes. The presentation will provide a detailed exploration of Blue Current's pouch cell performance capabilities, focusing specifically on low-pressure operation that is key for the commercialisation of fully dry cells. We will also highlight aspects of the innovative process implemented at the company's 1-2 MWh pilot facility in Hayward.

Industrial scale oxide-ceramic solid-state batteries (ASBs) remain a major challenge. In this talk, two new strategies are presented to push ASBs towards industrialisation. First, the successful incorporation of the synthesis of garnet LLZO into cathode manufacturing led to 80% energy and time savings. Second, a new method to produce 3D interface engineered Li-metal anodes pushed the CCD of LLZO to > 5mA/cm² and stable stripping/plating to more than 800 cycles.

I would like to present recent advances in solid-state membranes for intercalation electrodes and also conversion electrodes, especially sulfur cathodes. Li-stuffed garnets and sodium silicates for next-generation batteries will be discussed.

This study demonstrates the development of novel battery separators designed to enhance thermal stability, improve electrolyte compatibility, and mitigate dendrite formation. These advancements significantly extend battery cycle life and improve safety under high-stress conditions, making them promising for next-generation energy storage applications.

Hazardous PFAS in lithium batteries raise safety concerns, primarily used in cathodes but removed from anodes. Aqueous binders and H₃PO₄ prevent cathode degradation. A new PFAS-free electrolyte with anisole enhances ion transport and SEI formation, achieving 99.71% Coulombic efficiency and stable cycling for 400 and 350 cycles in Li-based cells.